MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal Senzo Mchunu sends condolences to Mzulwini family following fatal stabbing in school

The MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Senzo Mchunu, has sent the message of condolence to the family of Grade 12 learner, Mpendulo Mzulwini who died of his wounds on Sunday, 4 August 2012. Mzulwini suffered two stab wounds on Friday morning when there was an altercation between himself and two hooligans who had trespassed into school premises.

It is reported that Mzulwini was stabbed in school premises at Egagasini Secondary School, Umlazi, when he refused to give the money to the hooligans who were demanding it. According to Mzulwini’s father, his son was carrying money which was to be used to pay for the matric dance that the school was organising. He suffered two stab wounds, one to the shoulder and another at the lower back.

He was rushed to Medical Towers Hospital at Isipingo at around 9h30 on Friday morning. According to the father, the boy was showing signs that he would recover at around midday on Sunday but shock came when he was asked to return to hospital just a few hours later and to find the boy was already late.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of Mpendulo Mzulwini. Our hearts go out to the family, his siblings his school mates. But we also want to emphasize that schools must always remain the centres of excellence where future leaders are developed. We cannot allow a situation where criminals roam in and out of schools at will,” says MEC Senzo Mchunu.

“We want to issue a stern warning to criminals that they will face the full might of the law if they continue terrorising learners and teachers while carrying out their work. Every parent expects to see their child safely after a day of schooling. No parent should be made to feel the pain of losing their child at the hands of criminals. We also want to urge communities to help keep schools safe for our children,” MEC Mchunu.

Upon hearing the sad news MEC Mchunu made a call to the family who were clearly still trying to come to terms with the news of the passing away of their beloved son.